Hill Country Science Mill Brings ‘World’ of Music to Johnson City

Los Texmaniacs are bringing their international sound to the Hill Country Science Mill as part of ‘World Music, World Stories’ from 1-6 p.m. March 18. The event includes Analogix of Fukuok-shi, Japan; Hanato Chiruran of Tokyo; and Tribu Baharu of Bogota, Colombia. The concert is free with regular paid admission to the Science Mill. Go to sciencemill.org for more information. Courtesy photo

Hill Country Science Mill Brings ‘World’ of Music to Johnson City

JOHNSON CITY — While the Hill Country is home to great musicians and songwriters, four groups are bringing an international flair to the scene.

On Saturday, March 18, the Hill Country Science Mill and OUTSIDE VOICE are hosting "World Music, World Stories" from 1-6 p.m. at the Science Mill, 101 S. Lady Bird Lane. Even with SXSW happening down the road in Austin, it's tough for some people — particularly families — to make the trip and experience a wide world of music.

"World Music, World Stories" is bringing that experience to Johnson City.

“We believe that creativity, imagination, and curiosity are certainly part of innovation, but music and art also play a big part,” said Bonnie Baskin, founder and board chair of the Hill Country Science Mill. The facility uses science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) to encourage kids to explore their world and develop an interest in STEAM-related activities and possible careers. The Science Mill features many hands-on displays and activities for youth to experience.

Music, especially world music, definitely supports the mission of the Science Mill.

“This is an opportunity for kids to experience music from around the world and those cultures and those stories,” Baskin added.

Two of the bands come from Japan, one from Colombia, and one from San Antonio. Each brings a style not usually heard in Hill Country venues.

The lineup is Analogix of Fukuoka-shi, Japan, at 1 p.m.; Los Texmaniacs of San Antonio at 2 p.m.; Hanato Chiruran of Tokyo at 3:15 p.m.; and Tribu Baharu of Bogota, Colombia, at 4:30 p.m.

Baskin said each group brings music that people in the Highland Lakes don’t usually get the opportunity to experience, especially live.

“Tribe Baharu, they have this South American with reggae sound, it’s just amazing,” she added.

She admitted to favoring Los Texmaniacs, but she also wants to experience the Japanese music.

“I’ve never really been a techno fan, but I’m going to approach it with an open mind,” she said of Analogix and Hanato Chiruran. “Who knows? Maybe I’ll discover I do like it.”

The concert is included with the museum’s regular admission, which is $10 for adults, $8.50 for ages 3-18, $8 for seniors 65 and older and military members, and free for ages 2 and younger.

Blankets and picnics are allowed but no glass containers. Also, food will be available from the Lady Bird Lane Cafe and a number of food trucks.

Baskin added that the Science Mill has been busy trying to better utilize its outdoor area, which now includes a stage and other amenities.

“We hope kids will be out there dancing and just having a good time,” she added. “And, it is a family event.”

Along with the concert, the museum and all its regular activities will be open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at sciencemill.org or at the door.